This digital detox gadget locks your phone away to reclaim precious moments

The complexion of this fast-paced world has dramatically changed with the assistance of smartphones which bring us closer to each other digitally. Somewhere though, we have lost the magic of silence and the privilege of enjoying moments that are now lost in the symphony of notifications and buzz of social media apps.

Now is the time for most of us to give serious thought to the idea of a digital detox regime to step back and reclaim our ‘Me Time.’ Minimalist phones, detox apps, and of course your self-restraint do help from getting lost down the rabbit hole of dooms scrolling. Those measures however only so far, until the moment you cannot resist the lure of the beautiful smartphone screen. The Back to Reality phone-locking box is a gadget that wants to curb your phone addiction once and for all.

Designer: Alessandro Pennese

Compared to other digital detox gadgets where the ultimate control to break the shackles lies with the user, this device takes that privilege away. There’s no way to get hold of your phone once the lid is closed and you set the time you will go for a digital detox routine – even if that means going cold turkey for hours at end. You can only take important calls via the interface on top, but cannot make any exceptions for allowed apps. The only time you can open and access your smartphone is when the timer countdowns to zero after the designated time. This comes in handy when you are working on deadlines, in the middle of a family reunion, or meditating.

Eventually, you get used to this regime and down the line, your screen time decreases. It’s like training your brain to stay away from the screen and going for long-term dopamine release rather than rejoicing the silly short-term dopamine bursts that eventually trigger brain rot. The device can also be useful to regulate your kids’ screen time as well, to trigger better sleeping habits and avoid the overuse of phones. Some would argue that the gadget is a gimmick and won’t be able to solve the inherent purpose but it’s the exact opposite. Since there’ll be a price tag on the device, users will subconsciously have the urge to use it regularly. In a way, it is better than minimalist phones that force things on you rather than work around them and regulate usage!

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This Reusable Modular Magnetic Sticky Note is About to Make Post-Its Obsolete

Sticky notes have been the backbone of brainstorming sessions, productivity hacks, and last-minute reminders for decades. But let’s be honest—paper notes curl, lose their stickiness, clutter desks, and end up in the trash. As designers and creatives, we need something better. Something modular, flexible, and sustainable. Enter M NOTE, a next-generation sticky note that builds on Bravestorming’s earlier innovations, pushing the boundaries of what a reusable note can be.

At first glance, M NOTE feels familiar—small, lightweight, easy to jot on. But beneath that simplicity lies an impressive fusion of materials and design thinking. Unlike traditional sticky notes that rely on single-use adhesives, M NOTE combines a magnetic backing with a reusable adhesive layer, allowing it to securely cling to both metal and non-metal surfaces. Whiteboards, glass panels, wooden desks—wherever ideas need to live, M NOTE stays put. The best part? It doesn’t curl up the way sticky notes do, allowing you to actually use M NOTES more efficiently without having to unfold scraps of paper to see what’s written on them.

Designer: Bravestorming

Click Here to Buy Now: $24 $44 (40% off). Hurry, only a few left!

According to 3M’s own website, the company produces 50 billion Post-Its annually, which means potentially 50 billion sticky notes are used and thrown globally each year. This serves as an indication of two things – sticky notes are incredibly popular, and single-use sticky notes are incredibly wasteful. What Bravestorming does is just take the concept of a sticky note and innovate on it. The result? A note with a patented design that’s reusable, easy-to-clean, sticks to multiple surfaces, stacks wonderfully, doesn’t curl up, and serves you and your ideas for life.

For those of us who think in visual clusters—mapping out UX flows, sketching quick thumbnails, or color-coding ideas—the M NOTE goes beyond being just a simple adhesive-backed square, it presents a workspace upgrade. The ability to magnetically stack and rearrange notes turns any flat surface into a dynamic storyboard. Planning a project? Layer tasks by priority. Iterating a design? Move pieces around until everything clicks. M NOTE acts like a hybrid between a sticky note and a modular whiteboard, with the flexibility to grow and change as ideas evolve.

Its unique design lets you un-stick the notes as effortlessly as you stick them. Simply press against one of the note’s edges and it lifts up, letting you easily ‘pluck’ the note off just in case you want to rearrange it or discard it for later. The magnetic + adhesive back can be used over 10,000 times according to Bravestorming. The magnets are powerful enough to hold up pieces of paper like charts, paper sheets, or even a whiteboard marker (as is the adhesive-lined backing), and the adhesive works on a whole variety of non-magnetic surfaces, giving you the ‘sticky’ part of a sticky note.

There’s even the tactile pleasure of working with the M NOTES that flimsy paper just doesn’t have. The individual notes are small yet substantial, and they stack together wonderfully, creating a toy that’s great to fidget with. “It’s like playing with LEGO or chess,” Bravestorming’s team says.

The surface of the M NOTE mimics a whiteboard, making it perfect for detailed sketches, typography layouts, or handwritten notes that need to be erased and rewritten multiple times. Ghosting and ink stains—common frustrations with traditional whiteboards—are practically nonexistent here. And if the adhesive side starts losing its grip, a quick rinse under water restores its original stickiness, making M NOTE a long-term alternative to its disposable counterparts.

The M NOTES come in 3 sizes across 9 colors, and just in case you want a bit of versatility, Bravestoming’s M POCKET lets you slide a print or photo in, giving you a customizable sticky note instead. This means you can add everything from a photo of your pet or loved one to a company logo or even a QR code. The possibilities are endless – Bravestorming demonstrates using the print-friendly M POCKET to plan meals or workouts, track water consumption, or even print templates of your choice that you can use to boost your productivity.

Beyond its practical features, M NOTE also speaks to a growing need for sustainable tools. The cycle of writing, discarding, and replacing sticky notes is wasteful, but it’s been the norm for so long that many of us don’t question it. M NOTE offers a shift in perspective. Instead of contributing to endless paper waste, this modular, erasable alternative fits seamlessly into a more eco-conscious workflow. A single set replaces stacks of paper notes, reducing clutter while aligning with a mindset that values reuse over disposal.

And unlike traditional sticky notes, which tend to crumple in bags or lose their stickiness over time, M NOTE is built for durability. Whether it’s being used on a fridge for reminders, a workspace for project management, or a sketchbook for impromptu doodles, it holds up. And when notes need to be digitized, snapping a quick photo using 3M’s free Post-It app transfers them into productivity software like Notion or Trello, ensuring that analog and digital organization work in tandem.

Bravestorming has a track record of reimagining workspace tools, and we’ve seen them push the boundaries of modular note-taking before. But M NOTE refines the concept into something even more versatile, making it a must-have for creatives, organizers, and anyone who thrives on structured yet fluid thinking. The era of disposable paper sticky notes is fading, and M NOTE is here to take their place—replacing potentially 50 billion paper squares with something more versatile, capable, and creativity-friendly.

Click Here to Buy Now: $24 $44 (40% off). Hurry, only a few left!

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Stuck without Spectacles in an Emergency? These Genius Adjustable Lenses Could Save Your Life

In times of disaster, every second counts. However, for individuals with myopia, the absence of corrective lenses can significantly hinder their ability to navigate and make life-saving decisions. Recognizing this challenge, “Three Days to See” introduces an innovative solution: emergency glasses designed to provide immediate and adjustable vision correction in critical moments.

Designer: Song Zetong, Deng Chenxi, Fan Yichen, Luo Yutong, and Du ChenChen

Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is a vision condition where distant objects appear blurry due to light focusing in front of the retina rather than directly on it. This condition affects millions worldwide, and those who rely on prescription glasses face an additional layer of vulnerability in emergencies. Whether fleeing a natural disaster, evacuating from a fire, or responding to an accident, the ability to see clearly is essential for survival.

Stress and panic are natural responses to emergency situations. Under such pressure, individuals often forget essential items, including their glasses. Without proper vision, tasks as simple as reading signs, following escape routes, or identifying dangers become nearly impossible. This can lead to an increased risk of injury, delayed response times, and heightened anxiety. Another common issue is that many people have loose-fitting glasses, which can easily fall off during evacuation, further complicating their ability to navigate and respond to emergencies. “Three Days to See” addresses this issue by offering a practical and accessible alternative for those who need immediate vision correction.

The key innovation behind “Three Days to See” is its ability to provide rapid and customizable vision correction without the need for prescription lenses. These emergency glasses use soft liquid lenses filled with highly refractive silicone oil. Users can adjust the diopter in five increments by pressing fluid-filled sacs integrated into the frame. This simple mechanism allows individuals with varying degrees of myopia to quickly obtain clear vision without the need for traditional glasses or professional adjustments.

Additionally, these glasses feature a strong adhesive at the center of the top frame, which sticks to the forehead, securing the glasses in place without relying on traditional side arms. This design eliminates issues of improper fit caused by varying head sizes and prevents the glasses from slipping off during sudden movements or evacuations. By resting on the nose and being anchored by the forehead adhesive, the glasses provide a stable and comfortable fit for different users.

Designed to be included in emergency kits, these glasses serve as a crucial survival tool. Their lightweight and durable construction ensures they can be stored for extended periods without deterioration. Whether used in a home emergency preparedness kit, workplace safety gear, or humanitarian aid packages, these glasses provide a much-needed solution for myopic individuals facing unpredictable situations.

Beyond the physical advantage of restored vision, “Three Days to See” also addresses the psychological impact of emergencies. Vision impairment in high-stress scenarios can lead to disorientation, frustration, and a sense of helplessness. By equipping individuals with the ability to see clearly, these glasses help maintain confidence, reduce anxiety, and improve decision-making under pressure.

From a broader perspective, accessible emergency vision correction aligns with the growing focus on inclusive disaster preparedness. By considering the needs of individuals with myopia, “Three Days to See” contributes to a more comprehensive approach to emergency response, ensuring that no one is left at a disadvantage when it matters most.

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Bulgari x MB&F Serpenti: A Radical Expression of Horology and Sculpture

The Bulgari x MB&F Serpenti is a striking mechanical sculpture that is worn on the wrist. This watch is the result of a collaboration between Bulgari, known for its mastery in jewelry design, and MB&F, which is celebrated for its unconventional approach to watchmaking. Together, they have created something that breaks away from the norms of traditional horology.

Designer: Bulgari x MB&F Serpenti

This is their second project together after the Legacy Machine Flying T ‘Allegra’, but this time, they have taken the Serpenti concept into a new realm of design. The watch captures the essence of a serpent, blending organic fluidity with the precision of high-end mechanics. The case, with its smooth curves and transparent sapphire windows, reveals an intricate movement inside, turning it into a timekeeping machine that feels alive. This interpretation of the Serpenti goes beyond conventional aesthetics, pushing the boundaries of what a watch can be.

Design Process: Blending Biomorphic and Automotive Influences

The design of the Serpenti involved an unconventional approach, deviating from traditional watchmaking norms. The team, led by Fabrizio Buonamassa Stigliani and Maximilian Büsser, adopted a biomorphic design, taking inspiration from the streamlined form of a serpent’s head. The shape presented significant engineering challenges, particularly with the case’s complex curves and the integration of five sapphire crystal windows, which had to fit seamlessly while maintaining water resistance.

Unlike conventional watch cases, which follow a round or angular format, the Serpenti required hundreds of sketches and dozens of 3D-printed models before reaching its final form. The stepped sapphire crystals on the case were inspired by automotive rear window flaps, adding to the watch’s futuristic appeal.

Color Variations: Three Distinct Identities

The Serpenti is available in three unique variations, each exuding a distinct personality:

  • Titanium with Blue Domes: A futuristic execution that emphasizes lightness and precision. The combination of a titanium case with vibrant blue luminescent domes creates an icy, high-tech aesthetic.
  • 18K Rose Gold with Green Domes: This iteration leans into Bulgari’s luxury roots, with warm rose gold tones accentuated by rich green hour and minute domes. The play between color and material evokes a sense of heritage blended with modernity.
  • Black PVD-Coated Stainless Steel with Red Domes: The most aggressive design of the trio, featuring a stealthy black PVD finish contrasted by bold red luminescent numerals. This version exudes mystery and power, mirroring the dangerous allure of a serpent.

Each model is fitted with rotating hour and minute domes, which serve as the primary method of displaying time. These lightweight aluminum domes are coated with Super-LumiNova, ensuring excellent legibility in various lighting conditions. The rotation of these domes mimics the hypnotic gaze of a snake, reinforcing the watch’s reptilian inspiration.

Mechanical Animation: A Dynamic Timekeeping Experience

A defining feature of the Serpenti is its mechanical animation, which brings the timepiece to life. The revolving hour and minute domes, positioned like a snake’s eyes, introduce a kinetic aspect to the display. Constructed from lightweight aluminum, these domes were milled to extreme thinness to reduce weight and optimize rotation. This process required specialized milling techniques to ensure precision.

The integration of Super-LumiNova on the domes enhances nighttime visibility, making the watch as visually compelling in low light as it is in daylight. This moving display sets the Serpenti apart from conventional watch designs, transforming the reading of time into an engaging, almost hypnotic experience.

The Movement: A Micro-Mechanical Powerhouse

Beneath its sculptural case, the hand-wound mechanical movement is a true work of art. Engineered by MB&F, the movement is driven by dual mainspring barrels, delivering a 45-hour power reserve. The entire mechanism is on full display, thanks to the sapphire crystal caseback, allowing enthusiasts to admire the intricate network of gears and bridges.

One of the movement’s defining features is its differential gear system, designed specifically to allow the domes to rotate seamlessly. This innovation ensures smooth operation without affecting overall movement stability. The bridges and plates feature a mix of brushed, polished, and sandblasted finishes, highlighting the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into each piece.

Engineering and Manufacturing Challenges: Precision in Complexity

The Serpenti’s intricate construction pushed the boundaries of modern watchmaking. Traditional machining techniques were insufficient for crafting its organic case shape, leading Bulgari and MB&F to rely on advanced multi-axis CNC machining. The sapphire crystals required the precision of 5-axis 3D milling, a labor-intensive process that limited production capacity.

Beyond shaping the case, ensuring water resistance posed another hurdle. With five exposed sapphire windows, achieving a 30-meter water resistance rating demanded an innovative sealing approach that safeguarded the movement without compromising its visual appeal.

Another challenge lay in balancing the weight of the rotating aluminum domes. They had to be light enough for smooth movement while remaining sturdy against external shocks. MB&F’s expertise in micro-mechanical engineering played a crucial role in integrating an ultra-precise gear train that delivered fluid motion without excessive wear over time.

Limited Production and Exclusivity

Given the complexity of its design, production is restricted to six to eight movements per month, reinforcing its rarity as a collector’s piece. This meticulous approach extends the full production run beyond a year, further enhancing its exclusivity.

Only 99 pieces will be produced, divided equally among the three color variants. Pricing reflects its ultra-luxury positioning, with the titanium and black PVD versions ranging from $135,000 to $148,000, while the rose gold variant commands between $155,000 and $170,000. This level of craftsmanship, combined with the difficulty of production, cements the Serpenti as a rare acquisition for those who appreciate cutting-edge independent watchmaking.

Final Thoughts: A Masterpiece of Horological Art

The Bulgari x MB&F Serpenti redefines traditional luxury watchmaking. It showcases the collaboration of two powerhouse brands that bring forward an innovative vision. Rather than reinterpreting an icon, this creation reshapes the Serpenti’s legacy while maintaining its historical essence.

Collectors and enthusiasts looking for groundbreaking design will find the Serpenti to be more than a watch. It is an artistic and mechanical expression, transforming timekeeping into a dynamic visual experience. Every detail, from the sculptural case to the rotating domes, showcases a commitment to precision and creativity, making it a true representation of horological artistry.

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iPhone 17 Mini Concept Brings Apple Intelligence To The Smallest iOS Device Yet

Can I just say that the Mini version of the iPhone was perhaps my favorite version? Sure, Apple discontinued the product because it didn’t sell as much as its plus and max-sized models, but ask anyone who rocks an iPhone 13 Mini and they’ll aggressively defend the line-up, saying that it’s perfectly sized, wonderfully ergonomic, and delivers a stellar experience despite a slightly small screen size. YouTuber 4RMD believes that Apple prematurely discontinued what could have possibly become Apple’s most popular device (had they not chased larger screen sizes).

To that end, meet the iPhone 17 Mini, a dream concept that 4RMD created to bring Apple’s most advanced smartphone hardware and software to the smallest possible form factor. With a 5.7-inch screen, the iPhone 17 Mini is the tiniest Apple device to rock two cameras and a chipset capable of natively running Apple Intelligence.

Designer: 4RMD

The highlight of the 17 Mini lies in its suffix. At just 5.44 inches tall, it’s significantly more compact than Apple’s existing iPhones. The reason, pure ergonomics. The human hand isn’t built to be able to navigate a screen that measures over 6 inches diagonally. Hold your phone and try to reach the back button on the top left corner and you’ll see what a struggle it is. A smaller phone just makes things a lot more manageable, giving you an interface that’s more within reach than others.

However, Apple capitulated to market forces that indicated larger phones sell more, discontinuing the Mini series with the iPhone 13 in 2021. The iPhone 17 Mini concept corrects that measure by still deciding to continue a phone that might not be as popular, but still has a very loyal fan-base. With its 5.7-inch display, encased within a very contemporary design, the iPhone 17 Mini is quite the looker.

The phone as your standard outer aluminum body, with a Ceramic Shield 2 glass on the front as well as the back. You’ve got an always-on OLED display with 120Hz refresh rate and ProMotion, and a larger battery that complements the small display by giving the iPhone 17 Mini the longest use-time of any iPhone.

On the inside, the A19 chip powers the device, while the 17 Mini runs iOS 19 (which we’re expecting to see launch in June this year). However, move to the outside and you’ve got cameras that would put most mini smartphones to shame. A 24MP front camera gives you stellar selfies, while the new horizontal dual-lens rear camera setup packs two 48MP shooters. One Ultra Wide for those gorgeous photos and videos, and a 3X Telephoto for portraits and low-light performance. In a lot of ways, this new camera layout also pays credence to the new rumors of the iPhone 17 series getting a horizontal camera island instead of the regular square-shaped layout.

The biggest change, however, would be the inclusion of Apple Intelligence in this device. The company’s AI has been limited to the iPhone, iPad, and Mac line-up, so the iPhone 17 Mini would officially be the smallest SKU capable of running an on-device AI model. We hope to see more improvements to Apple Intelligence in the months to come, although the hopes of an iPhone 17 Mini seem bleak.

There’s really no indication that Apple plans on making any small-sized smartphones in the future (even though they’re provably more ergonomic), but we do have whispers of a potential 2026 folding iPhone debut. I guess next year will shape up to be a pretty interesting time to be an Apple fan if any of these rumors are true!

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This Furniture Design For Cats & Humans Steers Clear Of The Conventional Definition Of Cat Furniture

Cat lovers, assemble—we’ve discovered something to help create a balanced and cohesive living environment for you and your furry feline friends. Dubbed Meowtain, this design investigates the concept of home as a space where humans consider the well-being of their pets alongside their own quality of life.

This project seeks to elevate daily experiences by examining the role of furniture in the home, boosting emotional health and overall well-being. Meowtain serves as a unique and functional furniture design that meets the needs of humans and cats alike. It makes an effort to form a living space that feels comfortable and comforting to both.

Designer: Shu Wang

Meowtain’s internal structure was meticulously crafted using a combination of plywood and metal components, ensuring durability and strength. To create a plush and inviting feel, the design incorporates layers of foam, batting felt, and boucle fabric, providing a comfortable and aesthetic appeal that invites interaction.

The design features three upper layers, inspired by the graceful contours of terrace fields, which are ingeniously stacked on a central pole. This arrangement allows the layers to pivot freely, enabling a variety of configurations that adapt to different needs and preferences. The swiveling functionality is displayed by the metal pole hardware, making it easier to engage with the mechanism. The act of transforming the layers into different positions becomes rewarding and delightful, adding an element of play to the experience.

The furniture piece also features “arms” that move with smooth precision, striking an ideal balance between flexibility and firmness. This ensures stability when used as a backrest, providing reliable support while still allowing for enough movement to accommodate different postures and preferences. While designing the piece, the designer wanted to avoid any clear and instant associations with the conventional definition of “cat furniture”. To achieve this, feline-inspired elements were very subtly integrated into the design. Features like backrest forms extending into space and stacking around a central pole bring to mind the structure of a cat tree.

Upholstered arms that can gently wrap around the human body form a pretty cozy and inviting sensation, which offers a sense of comfort and relaxation.  At the same time, the choice of materials and the varying heights of the piece make it appealing for cats to engage with as well. This “embrace” highlights the relationship between furniture and the body, fostering a connection that resonates both physically and emotionally. The Meowtain serves as a comfortable furniture design for humans, while also offering some engagement and amusement to your kitties. Currently, this design seems like a concept, but I am pretty sure a product like this would be welcomed with open arms into households with cats.

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Why Buy a Ring When This DIY Jewelry Kit Lets You Design and Make Your Own Silver Rings?

If there’s one thing being in a relationship has taught me, is that effort counts. It’s romantic to take your date out to dinner, it’s even more romantic to make dinner for your date. You could order something off of Amazon and you’d get brownie points for it – but there’s something much more intimate and special when you build something for someone, putting time, effort, and creativity into it. There’s a lot you can do within this scope – make a painting, cook a meal, plan a trip… and now Grace Gow wants to add bespoke jewelry to that list too.

Designed by artist and metalsmith Cat McCadden (who founded Grace Gow as an homage to her grandmother), the Carve Your Own Ring Kit gives you an extensive set of tools and materials to literally build your own silver or gold ring. Each kit comes with a wax ring mold, a tea-light candle, and a set of tools that let you build out any design of your choice. Once the ring’s design is ready, you mail the wax mold to Grace Gow and it gets cast in either Silver or Gold and shipped back to you.

Designer: Grace Gow

The kit is a part of Grace Gow’s Wax On Workshop (or WOW). The bundle includes the kit along with an online workshop on how to design and carve your own rings. However, you can use the kit entirely on your own without the online classes. Each kit comes with two green wax rings that serve as the ‘canvas’ for your design. A pencil helps you draw your design on the wax while a metal scraper and multiple grits of sandpaper allow you to carve away at the wax till you’re satisfied with your overall design.

The kit also includes a few other tools to make the process easier. A candle helps soften the wax or even rearrange it, so you can restructure your ring beyond the dimensions of the mold. A finger-diameter guide allows you to also carve the ring’s hole based on the finger-width of the person it is for. Once you’re done, try the ring out on the finger before packing it back in the kit.

The entire process is highly rewarding as you get to design your own jewelry rather than pick something from a pre-set catalog. You learn to work with surfaces, finishes, and even understand the intricate processes used by jewellers. A single kit is perfect for two people making rings for each other, although buy multiple kits and it turns into a wonderful group activity for friends and family. The creative process is much more fun when it’s collaborative!

Once you’re done, the rings go back to Grace Gow, who casts them in 925 sterling silver. You can even request gemstones be added onto the ring, but that will work up an additional cost for the gems as well as fitting charges. Grace Gow takes your wax ring and uses the 6000-year-old Lost Wax process to cast them. This usually involves trapping the wax ring in clay or terracotta before heating it up to melt the wax. The hollow space left by the melted wax then gets substituted with molten metal (silver in this case). After the metal cools, the mold is broken to reveal the ring inside. Grace Gow performs a few finishing techniques to bring out the metal’s shimmering allure before mailing the ring back to you.

At the end, you’re left with a ring that’s as unique as you are – not some generic piece of jewelry you picked up at the store. The ring is truly one-of-a-kind and encapsulates your creativity and your labor. Sure, rather than making them for a Valentine you could build them for yourself too. Nothing speaks peak fashion like bespoke jewelry to match your mood and your sense of style!

The post Why Buy a Ring When This DIY Jewelry Kit Lets You Design and Make Your Own Silver Rings? first appeared on Yanko Design.

Trump signs executive order to ditch paper straws for plastic

US president Donald Trump has issued an executive order to end the federal use of paper straws and encourage consumers to switch back to plastic, reversing Biden-era measures to curb plastic pollution.

The order signed by the president on Monday requires the federal government to fade out purchases of paper straws for its own operations and calls for the development of a National Strategy to End the Use of Paper Straws.

Trump’s directive overturns a strategy set out last year by former president Joe Biden to phase out single-use plastics including straws, cutlery and packaging from federal operations by 2035.

“We’re going back to plastic straws,” Trump told reporters while signing the order at the White House on Monday.

“These things don’t work,” he complained of the paper alternatives. “I’ve had them many times, and on occasion, they break, they explode. If something’s hot, they don’t last very long, like a matter of minutes, sometimes a matter of seconds.”

US using 390 million plastic straws a day

Trump’s vendetta against “liberal” paper straws goes back to his 2020 election campaign when he sold plastic alternatives laser-engraved with his own name that reportedly earned him nearly $500,000 in a matter of weeks.

Monday’s executive order lists several concerns with paper straws beyond useability, including their comparatively higher carbon footprint and higher concentration of PFAS “forever chemicals”, which can stay in the environment for decades and cause a variety of health issues.

Instead, the Trump administration is pushing for the return of plastic straws, falsely claiming that they contain “no measurable PFAS” although studies have proven the opposite.

More than 390 million plastic straws are used in the US every day, most for only 30 minutes or less despite taking around 300 years to break down in the environment.

These straws are generally too small to be processed in municipal recycling centres and made of polypropylene, a thermoplastic that’s notoriously difficult to recycle.

Globally, only nine per cent of the plastic we use is recycled. At three per cent, that number is even lower for polypropylene, 97 per cent of which is either incinerated or sent to landfills, generating emissions and leeching microplastics into the environment.

Stainless steel offers promising alternative

Research suggests that reusable stainless steel straws offer the most sustainable alternative as they are free of PFAS chemicals and can be endlessly recycled – although they have to be used between 37 to 63 times for their carbon footprint to break even with plastic straws.

Straws are only a drop in the ocean of plastic pollution. But they have come to serve as a stand-in for the larger question of how to tackle this urgent issue, as global plastic waste is set to triple by 2060.

Last year, a summit among 200 nations aiming to agree on a Global Plastics Treaty failed to come to a deal as several countries – including the US under Biden – shied away from setting global binding targets to limit plastic production.

After Trump used his first days in office rolling back environmental protections and withdrawing the US from the Paris Climate Agreement for the second time, critics are now warning that his administration could “spell doom” for a strong plastics treaty.

The photo is courtesy of Shutterstock.

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Andrea Rosso updates iconic art deco Pelican Hotel in Miami Beach

Pelican Hotel

Italian designer Andrea Rosso has updated the interiors and restored historic details at the art deco Pelican Hotel, which was recently given a day of commeration by the City of Miami Beach.

The cafe and lobby of the landmark Miami hotel were renovated by Rosso, son of Italian businessman Renzo Rosso, who bought the hotel in 1994, updating it with the help of Swedish designer Magnus Ehrland.

Pelican Hotel Miami
Andrea Rosso has updated the Pelican Hotel for its 30th anniversary

Originally built in 1948 by architect Henry Hohauser on Miami Beach’s Ocean Drive, the Pelican Hotel became a popular spot for visiting celebrities, with its call-backs to art deco style and its themed rooms.

In 2022, the hotel underwent a renovation led by Andrea Rosso, who preserved much of Ehrland’s design while opening up the lobby restaurant to the kitchen and adding wall coverings and furniture to the second and third floors.

Pelican Hotel Bar
The building was originally built in the 1940s

The bar area was expanded and given a contemporary look, with wooden furniture and sheets of riveted metal wrapping the bar itself.

“Soft tones were carefully chosen to complement the blue sky and natural surroundings, enhancing the airy, coastal ambiance,” said the hotel.

“This redesign balances modern functionality with the timeless elegance of Miami Beach’s architectural heritage, ensuring the Pelican remains a seamless part of the city’s vibrant landscape.”

In his 90s redesign, Ehrland focused on the reuse of furniture, sourcing much of the decor from second-hand markets such as vintage shops and auctions.

Rosso continued this in the latest redesign, focusing on finding unique pieces of furniture to update the hotel while keeping the eclectic spirit of Ehrland’s vision alive.

Pelican Hotel room
It has a number of themed rooms

The exterior of the hotel has been carefully preserved since the 1940s, keeping the property in line with the surrounding architectural heritage.

Some of themed rooms – with names such as Executive Zebra, Go Bananas and Lust in Space – were updated as well.

Pelican hotel
The city of Miami Beach has named 5 December Pelican Hotel Day

In December during Miami art week, Miami Beach declared 5 December Pelican Hotel Day, citing the hotel’s enduring impact on the community.

“The Pelican Hotel has been a pillar of hospitality, style, and innovation since 1994,” said the proclamation.

“Under Renzo Rosso’s leadership, it has become a symbol of Miami Beach’s cultural significance, offering guests a distinctive experience while preserving history and evolving.”

Other recent restoration projects in the Miami area include a hotel designed by Studio Collective a The Moore in the Miami Design District.

The photography is courtesy of the Pelican Hotel.

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Dezeen Debate features "cute and balanced" Victorian home extension

Hoj House by Studio Merlin

The latest edition of our Dezeen Debate newsletter features Studio Merlin’s extension of a home in Stoke Newington, London. Subscribe to Dezeen Debate now.

Local practice Studio Merlin designed the Scandinavian-inspired extension, which features a wildflower-covered roof, for a Victorian home in Stoke Newington.

The home received praise from readers, with one describing it as “very nicely done” and “elegant, understated”. Another compared it to Japanese design, calling it “cute and balanced.”

Therme Dubai wellness resort by Diller Scofidio + Renfro
Diller Scofidio + Renfro designs cascading “oasis in the sky” for Dubai wellness resort

Other stories in this week’s newsletter that fired up the comments section included the Therme Dubai wellness resort by Diller Scofidio + Renfro, the decision to demolish the Grenfell Tower and Foster + Partners’ unveiling of a mixed-use development in London.

Dezeen Debate

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